Why is the hoof so important to the horse?

 1.They cushion and absorb shock 2.Hoof compression forces blood back to the heart Horse’s hooves serve 2 important functions:

  Hind feet compared to forefeet:  Hind foot toe is more pointed  Hind foot sole is more concave Hind feet & forefeet are different:

  Hoof wall and laminae  Mostly composed of keratinized epithelial cells  Insensitive laminar layer forms inner surface  Sensitive laminae covers surface of coffin bone  White line is where the two intermesh  Thickest at the toe and thin at the quarters  Weight-bearing portion of the hoof Parts of the Hoof

  Sole  Sensitive, easily bruised  Covers the bottom of the coffin bone  Self-limiting growth flakes off  Concave at ground level  Not weight bearing Parts of the Hoof

  Frog  Elastic, wedge-shaped mass between bars  Point by the toe called apex  Greasy secretions from fat glands  50% moisture Parts of the Hoof

  Digital cushion or plantar  Back half of the hoof  Fibroelastic  Fatty  Serves as a shock absorber for the hoof Parts of the Hoof

  3 bones  Short pastern – located in and above hoof  Coffin bone – located front and outer side  Largest, quite porous  Navicular bone  Smallest, increases movement Parts of the Hoof

  Complex hoof structure expands, compresses and expands  Blood acts as a hydraulic cushion  More absorption takes place at the pastern, knees and shoulder Hoof serves to absorb concussion

  Hoof aids return of blood from feet  Venous plexus are extensive networks of veins  Compression pumps blood back to heart  Compression acts as valve to contain blood  Acts as hydraulic cushion  Compressed when foot bear weight  Open when foot is raised Hoof serves to help pump blood